Our Facilities

Learning Resources

Learning resource areas provide a wide range of books, journals, DVDs and online resources – each grouped according to your subject area. We also provide a whole host of specialist facilities and the latest technology designed to support the requirements of your course. Each main centre also has individual, group use and quiet study PCs to support you throughout the day. Most importantly, there is support available whenever we are open – full details of what we have to offer are available in our handbook. Our opening times* are:

Stevenage and Hitchin Centres

Goldsmith Centre, Letchworth Garden City

Specialised collection available when the centre is open to Goldsmith Centre students

*Please note that opening times are subject to change through the year and at vacation times.

Refreshments, rest and relaxation

At each of our centres, there’s a place to grab a bite to eat and take some time out.  The refectory areas serve both hot and cold food and a selection of drinks and snacks throughout the day.

The ‘Indulge’ Restaurant at the Centre for the Arts in Hitchin offers a wide range of delicious and innovative food, served in contemporary and relaxed surroundings. It’s the perfect venue for a working lunch or evening meal.
With a well stocked bar and specialised theme evenings organised throughout the year, it offers diners a unique dining experience at the heart of the college.

Salons

State-of-the-art Hairdressing Salon Enhance and Energise Beauty & Holistic Therapy Salon are open for a full range of treatments at the CFA in Hitchin and the Stevenage Centre. Relax and unwind with a massage or facial or reveal a new you with a stylish haircut.  There is an extensive range of treatments available.

Sports facilities

NHC can offer you a wide range of sporting facilities, and if you wish to join a team, there are lots of opportunities to get involved. Our Hitchin Centre’s sports complex offers a fitness suite, multi-purpose sports hall, squash courts, playing field and floodlit all-weather pitch. Facilities are free from 9.00am to 5.00pm during term-time (Monday-Friday).

The college has a designated Sports Co-ordinator who organises and promotes a full programme of sports enrichment activities. These sporting opportunities are available to all students across the college and for all abilities from beginners to active members of a team. The Sports Co-ordinator can also put you in touch with the best deals around in your local sports and leisure facilities. Contact the Student Services team on 01462 424242 for more details.

Student Union

There are various facilities within the college that are designed to help you relax and unwind. As a student you can access all of these.
There are Students’ Union Centres at the Hitchin and Stevenage campuses. Both are managed by the Students’ Union in conjunction with Student Services and provide a range of recreational, educational and cultural activities throughout the year. Our Students’ Union Centre at Hitchin is home to regular live music events and new clubs and societies are set up every year. 
General opening hours
The Students’ Union Centres are normally open Monday to Friday between 10.00am and 3.00pm. They offer friendly surroundings, television & video, music, pool and other recreational activities, as well as somewhere you can meet other students and check out what’s happening on and around campus.
Outside of our normal opening hours, the Students’ Union Centres are available for group bookings – including group tutorials, club or society meetings, rehearsal space or even for organising your own social activities.
North Hertfordshire College Students' Union (NHCSU) is the democratic structure of students at NHC, providing a voice and representation for students.  Representation ensures that students’ views and opinions are heard and give you the choice to influence things that effect your education and your life.  See our Learner Voice page for more information. [Link to Learner Voice page]
To take advantage of the great discounts and perks available to learners you need to get an NUS Extra card.  Your NUS Extra card gives you access to all College clubs and societies plus discounts at cinemas, theatres, swimming pools, certain shops and more.   It also doubles up as an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), so you can make the most of the benefits and discounts abroad too.
The card is available for just £10 and you can apply online
http://www.nusextra.co.uk/.  Online application and webcam facilities are available at each Students’ Union, so you can apply on site.